Direct Fire Readiness Solutions (DFRS)

A Training Program Designed to Meet Your Needs in the Field

We understand the difficult challenges that our warfighters face in today's fast-paced, continuous operational environment. To meet that challenge, SAIC has crafted an innovative solution to assist our warfighters. The Direct Fire Readiness Solutions (DFRS) program is a strategic blend of both products and services that can be delivered as embedded support or by our just-in-time mobile training teams.

SAIC offers a variety of services to meet your needs:

• The Direct Fire Weapons Integrator (DFWI) provides a comprehensive embedded training package of assessments, courses of action, and after-training support.
• The Noptel Optical Shooting System - Enhanced (NOSS-E) is a small arms training device that employs a pre-shot analysis methodology to marksmanship improvement.
• DFRS Fielding Group provides flexible on-site unit training through use of mobile training teams.

Real-Time Support from Seasoned Personnel

Our direct fire weapons trainers are all highly successful and innovative military trainers. Our network of over 100 army master gunners, snipers, special operations command operators, and army marksmanship practitioners create a truly strategic functional blend of expertise. Whether assigned in your unit as direct support, or as a just-in-time mobile training team, our team will help drive your training outcomes to new levels.

Our Training Tools Make the Difference

Training excellence begins with the right tools for your instructors, and ends with their dedications and commitment to excellence. At SAIC, we believe in empowering our own instructors, as well as developing training support packages designed to reproduce knowledge in those we instruct. Further, by blending technologically advanced Noptel Optical Shooting Systems with seasoned instructor/coaches, we are able to deliver unmatched efficiency into our marksmanship instruction.

SAIC provides:

• Unmatched instructor diversity across the family of direct fire weapons
• Fully developed and operationally vetted training curriculum
• Technologically advanced small arms training devices
• Integrated training device program of instruction across small arms training strategy
• Training delivery flexibility
• Training packages aligned with Army Force Generation methodologies

SAIC understands the unique challenges that are associated with an accelerated operational tempo. Direct Fire Weapons Integrator (DFWI) offers a comprehensive turnkey solution for the combatant commander.

Embedded Training to Support the Unit's Direct Fire Planning, Execution, and Evaluation Needs

Effective training begins with quality planning, resource acquisition, efficient execution. It is followed up with a comprehensive evaluation plan. SAIC's DFWI program offers this level of commitment to ensure the commander's training objectives are met, leaders are trained, and soldiers are confident.

DFWI Trainers are a Commander's Tool

Given the short planning cycle of re-deploying units, the DFWI program offers commanders skilled training managers to assist in the development of the commander's reset training guidance, begin necessary movement in planning, and request sought after resources before the unit actually redeploys. The DFWI practitioner, operating as the commander's training manager, assists with the commander's training assessments, develops training courses of action to address weaknesses and sustain strengths, and prepares the units marksmanship qualification and gunnery training plans.

Embedded Support Provides Training Continuity

SAIC understands the special challenges the Army Force Generation cycle offers to new commanders. This can includes future deployments with loss of institutional training memory. SAIC's DFWI support services address this by offering enduring support as commanders and soldiers change stations. Further, the DFWI practitioner does not need to relearn the training management process specific to each installation. This aids in the efficient transitions of leaders and process managers.

Noptel Optical Shooting System - Enhanced (NOSS-E)

SAIC introduces pre-shot analysis training methodology into marksmanship training. We remove the guesswork and provide the coach/instructor with technologically advanced training approaches to small arms marksmanship instruction.

Only Device Offering Pre-Shot Analysis

NOSS-E is the only small arms training device that employs a pre-shot analysis methodology to marksmanship improvement. The use of a pre-shot analysis allows the shooter performance to be analyzed at the shooter, not at the bullet holes created by the process. The NOSS-E measures the shot process 4 seconds before the trigger sequence begins. This allows the coach to measure shooter performance at the shooter, where the error is taking place. The use of this training methodology allows the coach/instructor to quickly identify the fundamental error and apply appropriate remediation for rapid improvement to shooter performance.

Man-Portable, Deployable, and Flexible

The NOSS-E is a lightweight, easily transportable training system that is the size of an average piece of aircraft carry-on luggage. It is deployable at home station as well as the forward operation base to provide an eye-safe training solution for all small arms weapon platforms.

Displays Shooter Error to Instructor/Coach Graphically and Pictorially

The NOSS-E helps instructors train soldiers safely and efficiently. It aids them in becoming skilled shooters within a short time and in demanding training environments, including difficult access to shooting ranges and permanent training facilities. The graphical displays of shooter performance allow the shooter/student to see the results of the error on sight alignment.

Flexible Onsite Unit Training

The Direct Fire Readiness Solutions (DFRS) Fielding Group provides flexible onsite unit training through use of mobile training teams.

SAIC answers the call for a comprehensive reset training package that is tailorable to the units' needs while preserving the commander's requirement for training quality.

Comprehensive Reset Training Plans for Redeploying Units

We recognize the difficulty commanders face attempting to create a substantive reset training plan in a vacuum. Not knowing the availability of training dates, certified trainers, and availability of soldiers creates a less than optimal planning situation. This situation is further complicated given the fact that initial planning is taking place while the unit is still in theater. SAIC recognizes that challenge and offers a strategic blend of training management, small arms, and gunnery curriculum matched with fully qualified and certified trainers. Delivery dates are at the units commander's discretion, creating a truly plug and play opportunity.

Training Packages Customizable to Commanders Needs and Schedule

Unit training focus and operational missions vary according to unit make-up and future mission set. Based on unit Mission Essential Task List (METL) and Mission, Enemy, Troops Available, Time — Terrain, and Civilians (METT-TC), flexibility may be required in order for units to meet obligations. SAIC's modular training curriculum allows commanders to chose only the course that strengthens the student's training assessment, thus rapidly and efficiently bringing the unit to a ready state.

Just-In-Time Training Solution Focused at Train the Trainer

The DFRS Fielding Group MTT process is centered toward preserving the soldier / sergeant relationship, thus creating greater unit cohesion. Further, the MTT trainers arrive at the time you need them, resulting in a economical approach to creating unit training knowledge.

Training Courses

SAIC provides complete, doctrinally and operationally relevant, training courses designed to meet the needs of all units, regardless of unit mission or composition. SAIC's course curricula is designed in accordance with industry-accepted training development methodologies by trained course developers and writers.

By design, each course is developed using a train-the-trainer approach, preserving the soldier/sergeant relationship. Further, our course developers maintain a constant communication network with each proponent office to to help our courses remain on the leading edge of the emerging doctrine, providing the units with the most up-to-date information available.

Small Arms Products

• Small Arms Marksmanship Instruction - Train the Trainer Course (SAMMI-T3)
• Preliminary Rifle Marksman Instruction
• Preliminary Machine Gun Instruction
• Squad Designated Marksman Course
• Short Range Marksmanship Course
• Sniper Sustainment Course
• Combat Pistol Course
• Ballistic Breech Course

Platform Products

• Command & Staff Gunnery Seminar
• Combined Arms Training Manager Course
• Master Gunner Doctrine Bridge Workshop
• Abrams Pre Master Gunner Course
• Bradley Pre Master Gunner Course
• Vehicle Crew Evaluator Course
• Commander/Gunner Certification Course
• I/O Certification Course

Small Unit Leader Training Products

• Company Fusion Cell: Overview Intelligence
  • Composite risk management
  • Convoy Risk Assessment Mission Matrix (CRAMM)
  • Company Operations Cell update brief
  • Develop and Communicate a Plan: Platoon Operation Order
  • Platoon debrief
  • Conduct back-brief
  • Conduct rehearsals
  • Conduct after-action review

Small Arms Marksmanship Instruction - Train the Trainer Course (SAMI-T³)

Applicability
No matter how sophisticated today's battlefield has become, a soldier with a rifle on the ground is still a necessity. A soldier's ability to apply individual lethality begins with a keen understanding of marksmanship fundamentals and ends with the disciplined application of accurate fire. Once a soldier has adopted these principles into the shooting process, he will be ready to instruct another shooter on proper fundamentals.

Scope
SAIC's SAMI T3 program is a skills-progressive, results-oriented, team-leader-focused program designed for all U.S. Army units. SAMI T3 trained leaders will allow the unit commanders to maximize their unit's small arms marksmanship potential to increase combat power and positively affect battlefield presence. The program is designed to produce not only highly skilled shooters, but more importantly, competent marksmanship instructors from within the unit's leadership.

Course Concept
SAMI T3 is a 32-hour course of instruction including classroom presentations and practical exercises. The Noptel Optical Shooting System - Enhanced (NOSS-E) shooting system is incorporated throughout the classroom presentations, providing true pre- and post-shot analysis without firing a single round. More information regarding the NOSS-E System can be found here.

Topics in this course include:

• Shooting fundamentals
• Shooting positions
• Weapons
• Lasers and optics
• Zeroing techniques
• Shooter analysis
• NOSS-E integration
• Live-fire training

Class Ratio

• 12:1 lecture with an even number of students, up to 60 students maximum
• 6:1 for all live-fire and hands-on training

Requirements

• Team leader or above
• Individually assigned rifle (M-16 or M-4) with sling
• All tactical gear and helmet
• Eye protection
• 200 rounds ammunition per student
• Zero/qualification range

Preliminary Rifle Instruction (PRI)

The success of any small arms weapons training event begins with a quality preliminary rifle instruction course and ends with lethal delivery of accurate direct fire.

Scope
SAIC's Preliminary Rifle Instruction Course covers all of the necessary training that needs to be conducted prior to stepping on the rifle range. This course will provide leaders with a practical and effective training strategy that will sharpen marksmanship skills while decreasing both the time and ammunition used during individual weapon qualification.

Course Concept
The PRI Course is a 16-hour course of instruction consisting of classroom presentations, practical exercises, and live-fire training exercises. Our instructors use the Noptel Optical Shooting System - Enhanced (NOSS-E) shooting system to provide both pre- and post-shot analysis, allowing immediate remediation of shooting errors. More information regarding the NOSS-E shooting system can be found here.

Topics in this course include:

• Shooting fundamentals
• Positions
• Zeroing with iron sights or assigned optic
• Weapons familiarization
• Safety
• Grouping
• Shooter analysis/remediation

Class Ratio

• 12:1 lecture with an even number of students, up to 30 students maximum
• 6:1 for all live-fire and hands-on training

Requirements

• Individually assigned M16/M4
• All tactical gear and helmets
• Personal protective gear (PPG)
• 200 rounds per student

Preliminary Machine Gun Instruction (PMI)

With the busy operational tempo that our military is faced with today, many of the basic skills that every leader should possess have fallen off the priority list. The ability to conduct preliminary machine gun marksmanship instruction is one of these skills.

Scope
SAIC's Preliminary Machine Gun Instruction Course covers all of the necessary training that needs to be conducted prior to stepping on the machine gun range. This course will provide leaders with a practical and effective training strategy to sharpen machine gun marksmanship skills while decreasing both the time and ammunition used during machine gun qualification. In addition to improving marksmanship capabilities, the PMI will provide detailed instruction on the function and operation of both heavy and light machine guns.

Course Concept
The PMI Course is a 16- to 32-hour course (dependant on the number and type of weapon systems) of instruction consisting of classroom presentations, practical exercises, and live-fire training exercises. The type of weapon systems that are covered in this instruction is flexible, depending on the unit's mission/assigned machine guns.

Topics in this course include:

• Weapon familiarization
• Maintenance
• Safety
• Shooting fundamentals (bipod/tripod)
• Positions
• Zeroing with iron sights or assigned optic

Class Ratio

• 12:1 lecture with an even number of students, up to 30 students maximum
• 6:1 for all live-fire and hands-on training

Requirements

• Individually assigned machine gun
• All tactical gear and helmets
• Personal protective gear (PPG)
• Ammunition will be dependant on the weapons on which the instruction is based

Squad Designated Marksman Course (SDM)

Applicability
There is an engagement gap that exists on the modern battlefield, one with which the enemy is fully aware and takes full advantage of during maneuvers. The enemy will only offer your soldiers limited target exposures for short periods of time or withdraw from contact, staying outside effective small arms range. This situation is even more challenging when the enemy takes up position in densely populated urban environments. To answer this challenge, SAIC offers the Squad Designated Marksman (SDM) course. Modeled after the Army Marksmanship Unit's highly successful SDM course, SAIC's SDM course will develop a warfighter who is trained to place accurate and effective fire on the enemy, "putting you in the fight first," long before the enemy can engage you.

Scope
SAIC's SDM training trains your warfighters to engage enemy targets at a distance beyond the standard soldier's capabilities and apply extremely accurate fire for limited target exposures. The SDM-trained warfighter will have a working knowledge of advanced marksmanship techniques, increasing battlefield lethality.

Course Concept
The SDM program is a 40-hour course of instruction consisting of classroom presentations, practical exercises, and live-fire training exercises. Our instructors use the Noptel Optical Shooting System - Enhanced (NOSS-E) shooting system to provide both pre- and post-shot analysis, allowing immediate remediation of shooting errors. More information regarding the NOSS-E shooting system can be found here.

Topics in this course include:

• Effects of wind and weather on shooting
• Ballistics training
• Range estimation and sight adjustment
• Known-distance field fire range

Class Ratio

• 12:1 lecture with an even number of students, up to 30 students maximum
• 6:1 for all live-fire and hands-on training

Requirements

• Individually assigned Special Purpose Rifle (SPR), M-16 or M-4 with sling
• Assigned optics and aiming devices
• All tactical gear and helmets
• Personal protective gear (PPG)
• 800 rounds of ammunition per student

Short Range Marksmanship Course (SRM)

Applicability
Given today's full-spectrum operational force, the ability to transition from long-range targets of opportunity to short-range immediate threats on a civilian-occupied battlefield is essential. Statistically more than 90 percent of your direct engagements will take place at ranges of less than 50 meters, transitioning from a non-threatening posture to attack posture quickly and scoring clean, instant incapacitating hits is crucial.

Scope
Short-range marksmanship skills must be taught and properly evaluated, and correct repetitions must be conducted to provide confidence and familiarity with the action. To fulfill this requirement, SAIC offers the Short Range Marksmanship (SRM) course, which offers members of your unit an opportunity to learn and practice quick-fire techniques - stationary and on the move.

Course Concept
The SRM course is a 24-hour course consisting of classroom instruction and practical exercises. The course focuses on reinforcing quick-fire techniques and multiple-shot target engagements through live-fire exercises.

Topics in this course include:

• SRM shooting techniques
• SRM shooting positions
• Urban/Military operations on Urban Terrain (MOUT) operations
• Conducting effective reflexive fire ranges

Class Ratio

• 12:1 lecture with an even number of students
• 6:1 for all live-fire and hands-on training

Requirements

• Successful completion of SAMI T3
• Individually assigned M-16 or M-4 MWS with sling
• Close Combat Optic (CCO)(M68, Comp M4, or EOTech® [L-3 Communications EOTech, Inc.])
• All tactical gear and helmet
• 300 rounds of ammunition per student
• Personal protective gear (PPG)

Sniper Sustainment Course (SSC)

Applicability
One of the most effective tools a unit can have on the modern battlefield is a U.S. Army-trained sniper team. Nothing is more demoralizing to the enemy than an unseen sniper team operating in their area. Sniper teams can do more than just place highly accurate long-range fire on the enemy. Snipers can also provide constant surveillance, "real time" data on enemy activity, security to friendly troop movement or convoy operations, and constant harassment to enemy forces.

Scope
Today's sniper teams possess a variety of skills that need to be maintained and honed with sustainment training. To fulfill this requirement, SAIC developed the Sniper Sustainment Course (SSC). SSC will offer the organizational sniper an opportunity to practice theses critical skills learned during intuitional training or in the field.

Course Concept
The SSC is a 40-hour course consisting of classroom instruction and practical exercises, including live-fire training. Our instructors use the Noptel Optical Shooting System - Enhanced (NOSS-E) shooting system to provide both pre- and post-shot analysis, allowing immediate remediation of shooting errors. More information regarding the NOSS-E shooting system can be found here.

Topics in this course include:

• Shooting fundamentals and sniper shooting positions
• Effects of wind and weather on shooting
• Sniper Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) and target detection
• Range estimation, keep-in-mind systems (KIMS) game, graded stalking exercise
• Know-distance zero
• Sniper field fire qualification and night fire

Class Ratio

• 12:1 lecture with an even number of students, up to a 12 student maximum
• 6:1 for all live-fire and hands on training

Requirements

• Completion of the U.S. Army Sniper Course or assignment to a sniper position
• Individually assigned SWS (M24 or M110) with optic and night/thermal sight
• Binoculars and spotting scope
• Ghillie suit and veil
• Ruck sack
• Data book
• Sand sock
• Personal protective gear (PPG)
• 500 rounds of ammunition per student

Combat Pistol Course (CPC)

Today's Army lacks a solid training strategy for its assigned sidearm. SAIC's Combat Pistol Course is designed to teach both the fundamentals of pistol marksmanship and combat techniques that have a practical application on today's battlefield.

Scope
SAIC's Combat Pistol Course (CPC) training is designed to allow your warfighters to engage enemy targets with effective fire at close and mid range. In addition, students will obtain skills in multi-target engagements, weapon transitioning, rapid reloads, and sidearm safety. The CPC-trained warfighter will have a working knowledge of advanced pistol marksmanship techniques, increasing battlefield lethality.

Course Concept
The CPC program is a 32-hour course of instruction consisting of classroom presentations, practical exercises, and live-fire training exercises. Our instructors use the Noptel Optical Shooting System - Enhanced (NOSS-E) shooting system to provide both pre- and post-shot analysis, allowing immediate remediation of shooting errors. More information regarding the NOSS-E shooting system can be found here.

Topics in this course include:

• Shooting fundamentals
• Proper grip
• Positions
• Rapid reloads
• Weapon transitioning
• Target transitioning
• Failure drills
• Safety

Class Ratio

• 12:1 lecture with an even number of students, up to 30 students maximum
• 6:1 for all live-fire and hands-on training

Requirements

• Individually assigned M9
• All tactical gear and helmets
• Personal protective gear (PPG)/li>
• 400 rounds per student
• Holster

Ballistic Breaching Course

As the U.S. continues to conduct operations in urban terrain, the ability to quickly enter and clear an objective building is a skill at which our troops must be proficient. The use of a shotgun to gain entry into buildings has remained the most common and effective technique since our nation began combating terrorism around the world. The proper techniques required to conduct an effective ballistic breach is a skill set that all of our warfighters must possess.

Scope
SAIC's Ballistic Breaching Course training gives the warfighter knowledge and expertise to quickly and effectively gain entry to an objective building with the use of a shotgun. This course provides in-depth instruction on breaching tactics and techniques while demonstrating the capabilities of the shotgun as a breaching tool.

Course Concept
The Ballistic Breaching Course program is a 16-hour course of instruction consisting of classroom presentations, practical exercises, and live-fire training exercises. Our instructors combine real-world experience with an effective curriculum that will increase combat lethality.

Topics in this course include:

• Shotgun
• Ammunition
• Shot placement
• Task organization
• Tactical considerations

Class Ratio

• 12:1 lecture with an even number of students, up to 30 students maximum
• 6:1 for all live-fire and hands-on training

Requirements

• Assigned shotgun
• All tactical gear and helmets
• Personal protective gear
• 40 rounds per student

Command and Staff Gunnery Doctrine Seminar

Applicability
Modernized gunnery doctrine will allow great flexibility for commanders. As the Army transforms itself into modular brigades, it is imperative that leaders are able to tailor their unit gunnery training plans for their anticipated area of responsibility (AOR) and/or mission-essential task list (METL).

Scope
The Command and Staff Gunnery Doctrine Seminar is designed primarily for officer professional development (OPD) and non-commissioned officer professional development (NCOPD) using the lecture format. At the end of the seminar, commanders and their staffs will understand the modernizations to platform gunnery doctrine specific to their units (Heavy Brigade Combat Team [HBCT], Stryker Brigade Combat Team [SBCT], Infantry Brigade Combat Team [IBCT], or Sustainment Brigades).

Course Concept
The Command and Staff Gunnery Doctrine Seminar is a two-hour course designed in a lecture format.

Topics in this course include:

• SAIC's Direct Fire Weapons Integrator Program
• Changes to the modernization of gunnery doctrine for each type of unit
• Commander flexibility and the incorporation of METL/AOR engagements
• Comprehensive training strategy (virtual, constructive, and live)
• Ammunition strategy changes
• Changes to the engagement process - detect, identify, decide, execute, assess (DIDEA)
• Table development and minimum proficiency-level incorporation
• Scoring model for preliminary, basic, and advanced gunnery

Class Ratio

• 12:1 lecture

Requirements

• Conference room adequate to the size of the audience

Combined Arms Training Manager Course

Applicability
The Army training mission is to train every soldier, noncommissioned officer (NCO), warrant officer, and officer to fight and win our nation's wars. The process used by Army leaders to identify training requirements and subsequently plan, resource, execute, and evaluate training is strictly driven by the training management process. This process ensures that training standards are met in a timely manner and applied accordingly with the use of an appropriate training strategy. This strategy illustrates the progressive steps that must be taken when developing, planning and implementing training task that are necessary toward achieving unit training goals.

Scope
SAIC's Combined Arms Training Manager Course trains both commissioned officers and NCOs on the application of new gunnery doctrine for various direct-fire platforms (Stryker family of vehicles, combat protection platforms, and the Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected [MRAP] Vehicle). The primary focus of the course is on the organizations that do not have a billeted master gunner and have a need for direct-fire planning.

Course Concept
The 40-hour Combined Arms Training Manager Course consists of classroom lecture and practical exercises. Upon completion of the course, the unit will have a unit-specific training strategy ready to be put into action.

Topics in this course include:

• Training management overview
• Training doctrine
• Training strategy
• Training development

Class Ratio

• 12:1 lecture

Requirements

• Conference room adequate to the size of the audience

Master Gunner Doctrine Bridge Workshop

Applicability
As doctrine evolves to suit today's complex and dynamic battlefield, Army master gunners will be required to evolve along with it to ensure tough, realistic, and battle-focused training. The Master Gunner Doctrine Bridge Workshop assists the unit master gunners with integration of new doctrinal templates with operational mission templates to formulate the basis of a comprehensive platform gunnery strategy.

Scope
The Master Gunner Doctrine Bridge Workshop provides commanders with real-time staff planning assistance that focuses on making the transition to a modernized gunnery approach. The workshop will guide unit commanders and unit master gunners to navigate and integrate the fundamental principles of platform gunnery standards with real work mission templates.

Course Concept
The workshop is a 40-hour course that implements the commander's annual or quarterly training guidance or a directed course of action. Instructors assist the unit with the construction of a training calendar and the development of virtual, constructive, and live gunnery training programs, to include:

• Establishing milestones for simulations and selection of "high payoff" exercises
• Developing, resourcing, and executing ranges
• Performing key classroom and hands-on instruction (for example, Crew Pre-requisite Training, Small Arms Marksmanship)
• Providing the commander with quality assurance/quality assistance training events

Topics in this course include:

• Implementation of doctrinal changes
• Scenario development
• Individual crew training
• Preparation of Vehicle Crew Evaluator (VCE) packages

Class Ratio

• 12:1 lecture

Requirements

• Conference room adequate to the size of the audience
• Commander's annual and/or quarterly training guidance

Abrams Pre-Master Gunner Course

Applicability
The U.S. Army's Abrams Master Gunner program continues to provide the force with skilled and highly trained platform gunnery experts. However, due to reduced class sizes and less-than-optimal graduation rates, the number of qualified master gunners in the force has declined. The situation has been exacerbated by the current operational tempo experienced by most organizations. However, in spite of the shortage of qualified master gunners and increased operational tempo, mechanized and armored forces are still expected to achieve current readiness standards, with fewer technical experts.

Scope
SAIC's Abrams Pre-Master Gunner Course provides candidate non-commissioned officers a targeted overview of topics taught in the Abrams master gunner course. The course provides an in-depth concentration on subjects with historically low pass-rates, hedging the commander's investment, while increasing the probability of candidate success.

Course Concept
The Abrams Pre-Master Gunner Course consists of 80 hours of both classroom and hands-on training events. Each candidate will be provided an overview of both maintenance and gunnery-related tasks that are taught at the respective institution.

Topics in this course include:

• 120mm gun tube technology
• Abrams fire control technology
• Abrams armament accuracy checks
• Conduct of fire
• Ammunition capabilities and characteristics
• Range determination techniques
• Surface danger area diagrams (SDAD)

Class Ratio

• 12:1 lecture
• 6:1 hands-on

Requirements

• Conference room adequate to the size of the audience
• Students must meet Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) requirements for Abrams Master Gunner School

Bradley Pre-Master Gunner Course

Applicability
The U.S. Army's Bradley Master Gunner program continues to provide the force with skilled and highly trained platform gunnery experts. However, due to reduced class sizes and less-than-optimal graduation rates, the number of qualified master gunners in the force has declined. The situation has been exacerbated by the current operational tempo experienced by most organizations. However, in spite of the shortage of qualified master gunners and increased operational tempo, mechanized and armored forces are still expected to achieve current readiness standards, with fewer technical experts.

Scope
SAIC's Bradley Pre-Master Gunner Course provides candidate non-commissioned officers a targeted overview of topics taught in the Bradley master gunner course. The course provides an in-depth concentration on subjects with historically low pass-rates, hedging the commander's investment, while increasing the probability of candidate success.

Course Concept
The Bradley Pre-Master Gunner Course consists of 80 hours of both classroom and hands-on training events. Each candidate will be provided an overview of both maintenance and gunnery-related tasks that are taught at the respective institution.

Topics in this course include:

• Turret components and functions
• 25mm chain-gun maintenance
• Ammunition capabilities and characteristics
• Surface area danger diagrams (SADDs)
• Preliminary, crew, and advanced gunnery doctrine
• Establishing and executing a range facility
• Training management

Class Ratio

• 12:1 lecture
• 6:1 hands-on

Requirements

• Conference room adequate to the size of the audience
• Students must meet Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) requirements for Abrams Master Gunner School

Vehicle Crew Evaluator (VCE) Course

Applicability
SAIC's DFRS program is the only organization that formally provides training for the tank, Bradley, Stryker and armed High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV)/truck direct-fire engagement process. The modernization of gunnery and its common scoring model will require additional training for all soldiers serving on weapon system platforms.

Scope
The Vehicle Crew Evaluator (VCE) course focuses on gunnery evaluation standards, timing procedures, and engagement processes. Special emphasis is placed on the development of causal relationship in the engagement process between crew members. VCEs are instructed and evaluated on proper development/facilitation of the after-action review (AAR).

Course Concept
SAIC's 40-hour VCE course was designed to provide each student with the skills necessary to effectively evaluate the gunnery process. The course utilizes both classroom lecture as well as hands-on training procedures.

Topics in this course include:

• Heavy Brigade Combat Team FM 3-20.21 HBCT Overview
• Vehicle crew evaluator duties/responsibilities
• Common crew score sheet
• Un-stabilized gunnery training
• Collective gunnery evaluation.

Class Ratio

• 12:1 lecture
• 6:1 hands-on

Requirements

• Conference room adequate to the size of the audience

Vehicle Commander/Gunner Certification Course

Applicability
The Army has an extremely versatile mission focus that places a high demand on a unit's combat readiness and effectiveness. With a shifting mission focus, units are faced with suspending military occupational skill training requirements that are specific to occupational performance. SAIC's DFRS program provides certification/ recertification training for the Abrams, Bradley, Stryker, Armored High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV® [AM General LLC])/truck and gun truck through a strategic process and a series of progressive steps.

Scope
The Vehicle Commander/ Gunner Certification Course implements a direct focus on pre-requisite gunnery training requirements that ultimately leads into live-fire gunnery training. Emphasis is placed on safety, maintenance, operational capabilities of the gunnery crew member's assigned weapon system, crew coordination and gunnery skills training. Crews are instructed and evaluated on proper maintenance procedures, weapons manipulation and gunnery skills.

Course Concept
This 40-hour course (per company) utilizes classroom lecture as well as hands-on training procedures, leading gunnery crews through mandatory pre-requisite training for preliminary and device gunnery phases of training.

Topics in this course include:

• Safety
• Crew gunnery training/evaluation
• Fire control system and components
• Platform weapon system maintenance
• Weapon system manipulation
• Gunnery skills training/testing
• Gunnery operations

Class Ratio

• 12:1 lecture
• 6:1 hands-on

Requirements

• Conference room adequate to the size of the audience

Instructor/Operator Certification Course

Applicability
Technical updates to simulation trainers require up-to-date instructor/operators (I/Os) who are able to train both Abrams and Bradley crews in their respective trainers. However, due to the current operational tempo, the development of the new I/Os has suffered significantly.

Scope
SAIC's simulation courses are designed to train I/Os on currently fielded gunnery trainers. In addition to device infrastructure training, the I/O is drilled on proper gunnery techniques in order to facilitate the unit's gunnery training strategy.

Course Concept
SAIC's 40-hour Instructor Operator course is designed to provide the candidate with the skills necessary to operate and effectively evaluate the individual crew gunnery process through the use of simulated-based training. The course utilizes both classroom lecture as well as hands-on training procedures.

Topics in this course include:

• Putting the respective simulation trainer into operation
• Conducting quality training events
• After-action review (AAR) process

Class Ratio

• 12:1 lecture
• 6:1 hands-on

Requirements

• Conference room adequate to the size of the audience
• Student must be Vehicle Crew Evaluator Certified
• Respective simulations shelter (for example, CAGTS, BATS, COFT)

Company Fusion Cell: Overview Intelligence Cycle

Applicability
This training course is directly applicable to the unit preparing for convoy escort or security force missions overseas. It augments the 1st Army's leader training requirements and it offers supplemental training to fill those additional training hours so critical during mobilization training.

Scope
This course outlines the company/troop-level mission planning and execution cycle specifically focused on convoy escort operations. This course brings together company- to squad-level planning that integrates information and systems for a seamless and parallel operational process.

Course Concept
The course consists of nine classes and five practical exercises focused on one company/troop size key leader cell. Ideally, this course is attended by company commander, company operations non-commissioned officer (NCO), platoon leaders, and nine squad leaders. The course does not include the entire company leadership, due to the limitations on space and time. The key to this training is the active participation of each key leader while conducting the integrated practical exercises for improving situation awareness and synchronizing operations.

Topics in this course include:

• Company fusion cell overview: intelligence cycle
• Composite risk management
• Develop a Convoy Risk Assessment Mission Matrix (CRAMM)
• Conduct a company operations cell update brief
• Develop and communicate a plan
• Conduct platoon debrief after completing a patrol
• Conduct back brief after receiving operations order
• Conduct small unit rehearsal
• Conduct after-action review

Class Ratio

• 14:1 lecture

Requirements

• Conference room adequate to the size of the audience